University High School of Science and Engineering is a Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math magnet high school located in Hartford, Connecticut. This public school was started in 2004, with a small body of faculty, headed by principal Dr Elizabeth Colli, and a freshman class of one hundred students.
Serving 400 students in grades 9-12, University High School Of Science And Engineering ranks in the top 50% of all schools in Connecticut for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 50%, and reading proficiency is top 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 40-44% (which is approximately equal to the Connecticut state average of 41%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 60-64% (which is higher than the Connecticut state average of 50%).
The student-teacher ratio of 14:1 is higher than the Connecticut state level of 12:1.
Minority enrollment is 87% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the Connecticut state average of 53% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Quick Facts (2025)
- School Type: Magnet School
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 400 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1
- Minority Enrollment: 87%
- Graduation Rate: 90-94% (Top 50% in CT)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 50%
- Math Proficiency: 40-44% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 60-64% (Top 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 45-49% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CT Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
University High School Of Science And Engineering ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Connecticut for:
Category
Attribute
Diversity
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
School Overview
University High School Of Science And Engineering's student population of 400 students has declined by 7% over five school years.
The teacher population of 29 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
400 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
29 teachers
Year Founded
2004
Colors
Black, Red
School Calendar
School Motto
Welcome to University High School of Science and Engineering!
School Rankings
University High School Of Science And Engineering ranks within the top 50% of all 939 schools in Connecticut (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of University High School Of Science And Engineering is 0.66, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.68. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#409 out of 939 schools
(Top 50%)
(Top 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
40-44%
41%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
60-64%
50%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
45-49%
47%
Student-Teacher Ratio
14:1
12:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
8%
5%
Hispanic
22%
31%
Black
52%
12%
White
13%
47%
Hawaiian
1%
n/a
Two or more races
4%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
90-94%
89%
Eligible for Free Lunch
64%
37%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
4%
6%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CT Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Hawks
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is University High School Of Science And Engineering's ranking?
University High School Of Science And Engineering is ranked #409 out of 939 schools, which ranks it among the top 50% of public schools in Connecticut.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
40-44% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 41% CT state average), while 60-64% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 50% CT state average).
What is the graduation rate of University High School Of Science And Engineering?
The graduation rate of University High School Of Science And Engineering is 90-94%, which is higher than the Connecticut state average of 89%.
How many students attend University High School Of Science And Engineering?
400 students attend University High School Of Science And Engineering.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
52% of University High School Of Science And Engineering students are Black, 22% of students are Hispanic, 13% of students are White, 8% of students are Asian, 4% of students are Two or more races, and 1% of students are Hawaiian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of University High School Of Science And Engineering?
University High School Of Science And Engineering has a student ration of 14:1, which is higher than the Connecticut state average of 12:1.
What grades does University High School Of Science And Engineering offer ?
University High School Of Science And Engineering offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is University High School Of Science And Engineering part of?
University High School Of Science And Engineering is part of Hartford School District.
School Reviews
Review University High School Of Science And Engineering. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles

Why Single-Sex 51±¬ÁÏs are Growing in Popularity
This article examines the growing trend of single-sex public schools in the United States. It explores the potential benefits, research findings, and controversies surrounding gender-specific education, as well as the factors driving its increasing popularity among parents and educators.

When Teachers Cheat: The Standardized Test Controversies
Teachers across the country are being accused of cheating on standardized tests, using erasers to conveniently change their students’ answers. However, are these teachers driven to cheat because the funding system is flawed?

When Field Trips Turn Deadly: Who is Responsible?
Recent deaths during field trips have parents and school officials questioning the safety of these excursions. Learn about these tragedies and what parameters should be in place to ensure a safe field trip.